Rega Planar 3 Turntable with Elys 2 Cartridge

[Johnny2Bad]

The difference in playback quality between equivalent Rega and ProJect turntables are almost non existant. I like to know where you dug up that BS. Quoting Wilson whose speakers have one of thw worst frequency repsonses out there bar none really doesn't give your post anymore credability.

Digging up the Wilson Audio hate again, 3db? Especially since, and we've gone over this before, that my quote of David Wilson is not an endorsement of any products his speaker company makes, but rather an appreciation of the many sound recordings he and his studio have produced. But why stop beating a dead horse, I suppose.

https://forums.audioholics.com/forums/search/188662/?q=Wilson+Audio&c[users]=3db&o=relevance

I don't agree that an equivalent priced Pro-Ject is a better value than a REGA he's considering buying at $US 570.00. But perhaps more importantly, I don't feel a difference in opinion warrants personal attacks.

 

[WineOfTheVeins]

I appreciate all the input and help on this thread. I ended up going to check the table out with my buddy. He said it looked pristine, hardly used at all. Tonearm in good shape, few minor scuffs on the clear cover but no biggie I can polish that out. I made a deal, in case it didn't work he knew I'd be back at his door.

I got him to drop the price even more, paid $600CDN out the door. Got it all setup at my buddy's place that came to help look at it. Hooked up to a Cary tube amp and a McIntosh pre. We were both pretty stunned. I was smiling like a little schoolgirl. We listened to Fleetwood Mac - Gypsy, Glass Tiger - Diamond Sun (45 rpm single),Jon & Vangelis - Friends of Mr. Cairo, even some ACDC - Thunderstruck, and a bunch of others. I am pretty happy with my purchase. He couldn't believe how much music this TT picks up. The owner had it professionally calibrated at a local shop, so I didn't have to worry about adjusting the cartridge and arm. I honestly wasn't expecting much in fear of disappointment. Well, I was greatly surprised at this Rega's performance.

Proud new owner of a Rega RP3. I figure $600CDN for a TT with under 30 hours of use is a good deal, and the resale value according to my buddy are great on these.

Sweet:
https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-RB-303-Tonearm

So of course, went vinyl hunting over the weekend. Found myself an original VG+ Fleetwood Mac - Rumours. I listened to the whole thing twice. I could not get over what I was hearing. Especially "Dreams", I literally have never heard anything so good out of my setup in the 8 months I've owned it. Keep in mind I have Fleetwood on CD, and I've never heard the dynamics like this before. Super impressed. The drums are so 3 dimensional and have a nice round feeling to them, the bass hits you in the chest, but not in a flat cold way, more in a warm, full, round way. I could hear the pick and strings so clearly on the guitar, the cymbals were right in the room. Crazy.

Thanks again for the advice!

 

[Mikado463]

way to go kiddo !! enjoy spinning the 'black pizza' !!

 

[WineOfTheVeins]

Haha thanks! Never heard that term before. Now for vinyl hunting, that's half the fun in itself. Does anyone here ever buy records off Discogs.com?

*Now accepting record donations*

 

[Mikado463]

Now for vinyl hunting, that's half the fun in itself. Does anyone here ever buy records off Discogs.com?

*Now accepting record donations*

no, never have. When buying new I deal with three outfits....... Elusive Disc, Music Direct, Acoustic Sounds.

as for used......GoodWill, thrift stores and depending on where you live there are some great brick and mortar shops around; Rochester, NY - Record Archive
Princeton, NJ - Princeton Record Exchange

 

[slipperybidness]

I appreciate all the input and help on this thread. I ended up going to check the table out with my buddy. He said it looked pristine, hardly used at all. Tonearm in good shape, few minor scuffs on the clear cover but no biggie I can polish that out. I made a deal, in case it didn't work he knew I'd be back at his door.

I got him to drop the price even more, paid $600CDN out the door. Got it all setup at my buddy's place that came to help look at it. Hooked up to a Cary tube amp and a McIntosh pre. We were both pretty stunned. I was smiling like a little schoolgirl. We listened to Fleetwood Mac - Gypsy, Glass Tiger - Diamond Sun (45 rpm single),Jon & Vangelis - Friends of Mr. Cairo, even some ACDC - Thunderstruck, and a bunch of others. I am pretty happy with my purchase. He couldn't believe how much music this TT picks up. The owner had it professionally calibrated at a local shop, so I didn't have to worry about adjusting the cartridge and arm. I honestly wasn't expecting much in fear of disappointment. Well, I was greatly surprised at this Rega's performance.

Proud new owner of a Rega RP3. I figure $600CDN for a TT with under 30 hours of use is a good deal, and the resale value according to my buddy are great on these.

Sweet:
https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-RB-303-Tonearm

So of course, went vinyl hunting over the weekend. Found myself an original VG+ Fleetwood Mac - Rumours. I listened to the whole thing twice. I could not get over what I was hearing. Especially "Dreams", I literally have never heard anything so good out of my setup in the 8 months I've owned it. Keep in mind I have Fleetwood on CD, and I've never heard the dynamics like this before. Super impressed. The drums are so 3 dimensional and have a nice round feeling to them, the bass hits you in the chest, but not in a flat cold way, more in a warm, full, round way. I could hear the pick and strings so clearly on the guitar, the cymbals were right in the room. Crazy.

Thanks again for the advice!

I do like that lit platter! And, that color is reminiscent of McIntosh.

 

[slipperybidness]

Haha thanks! Never heard that term before. Now for vinyl hunting, that's half the fun in itself. Does anyone here ever buy records off Discogs.com?

*Now accepting record donations*

My favorite large chain is Half Price Books.

We have a couple local independent shops that are great.

Where are you located?

 

[lovinthehd]

Haha thanks! Never heard that term before. Now for vinyl hunting, that's half the fun in itself. Does anyone here ever buy records off Discogs.com?

*Now accepting record donations*

I buy records from discogs, but not vinyl records.....don't see why vinyl would be an issue.

 

[sterling shoote]

I've just bought 2 used LPs from Half Priced Books @ $5.99 each, Foreigner 4 and Journey's Escape. Other than a singular pop on each, they play without distortion. Maybe I got lucky although I do check for scratches; and, I also check the cover for wear at corners. If no scratches, I'll buy and then Spin Clean the LP before playing. Even though these albums each have a singular pop, in the most popular song, I can digitize the LPs, cleaning up things with a pop filter. So, worst case, I end up with a perfect album in iTunes for a few dollars more than if had I bought the music on a used CD.

 

[davidscott]

I actually picked up a copy of the Moody Blues In Search Of The Lost Chord for $2 at Half Price. Almost perfect condition and Ride my See Saw sounded as good as my CD version. Half Price is a good place to look for used vinyl.
Dave

 

[3db]

Ive auditioned comparable priced turntables of both makes and at different price points and none had an advantage over the other. That is why Im asking where you dug up your BS.

Furthermore, you stated your opinion as fact which is far from fact. Far superior than ProJect model? You sound like those ludicrous pro British announcers of formula 1. Go team Hamilton.

 

[3db]

I've just bought 2 used LPs from Half Priced Books @ $5.99 each, Foreigner 4 and Journey's Escape. Other than a singular pop on each, they play without distortion. Maybe I got lucky although I do check for scratches; and, I also check the cover for wear at corners. If no scratches, I'll buy and then Spin Clean the LP before playing. Even though these albums each have a singular pop, in the most popular song, I can digitize the LPs, cleaning up things with a pop filter. So, worst case, I end up with a perfect album in iTunes for a few dollars more than if had I bought the music on a used CD.

I've had some really weird experiences in buying used vinyl. Typically a clean looking album will play better than one that looks like its been through the grinder but a few times, the worst looking ones played far far cleaner with less surface nouse than the clean looking albums. That doesn't happen very often .

 

[KenM10759]

I've had some really weird experiences in buying used vinyl. Typically a clean looking album will play better than one that looks like its been through the grinder but a few times, the worst looking ones played far far cleaner with less surface nouse than the clean looking albums. That doesn't happen very often .

I know what you mean. I was gifted a near-perfect condition *looking* Fleetwood Mac "Tusk" album. It sounded like someone had taken it to the beach and played in the sand with it. I've taken it to my A/V dealer where on the first Saturday of most months the "Record Genie" comes in with a couple of high-end ultrasonic/warm fluid record cleaner machines and had him clean the disks. Twice. Better, but certainly not as clean and pristine as the album jacket and inner sleeves.

In contrast, I have an original copy of Til Tueday's "Voices Carry" album that I bought new in 1985. It looks a little tired, but remains one of the cleanest, sweetest-playing albums I own. Weird.

 

[WineOfTheVeins]

I've had some really weird experiences in buying used vinyl. Typically a clean looking album will play better than one that looks like its been through the grinder but a few times, the worst looking ones played far far cleaner with less surface nouse than the clean looking albums. That doesn't happen very often .

First off thanks for the tips. I will check out that website.

I have to agree with this. Yesterday I found an original 1975 pressing of Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd, and an old 80's reissue of Dark Side of the Moon both looked in great shape. DSOTM played great. Score! My edition is signed on the record, mastered by Capitol, and sells from $35-80 on Discogs. Paid less than that for it. One or two pops, that's it. WYWH on the other hand, I am going to be exchanging it for the 2016 reissue on 180g. It is almost unlistenable. Typially I like getting the old original, or non-remastered reissues if I can, not only for collectors reasons, but they typically sound so gorgeous. I did some homework and the 2016 180g WYWH is extremely well done, and he had it at his shop so I guess I'll exchange it. Looked pretty dust and scratch free, and even after 2 plays (stylus cleaning) still same result. Shop owner even assured me it was VG+ since he doesn't grade his records. I punched in my CAT# on Discogs, sure enough someone else said no matter how much they cleaned that record, popped and crackled a lot.

Then an original Rumours by Fleetwood Mac which is the best sounding thing I've ever had on my system. Sleeve is worn and record doesn't look mint, but there isn't one bad noise on that record, silent. Gamble on used, right?

*The weak point in these tables are the cartridges supposedly. We both think it sounds beautiful, but when I put some more miles on it and sell the Elys 2, what would be a great cart to get, that will also fit on the RB303 tonearm? I hear you need to use spacers and all that, still kind of confused as to where the spacers go, and how you know how much to space it. If I understand correctly, Rega carts only fit on Rega arms without modifying? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Johnny2Bad]

Ive auditioned comparable priced turntables of both makes and at different price points and none had an advantage over the other. That is why Im asking where you dug up your BS.

Furthermore, you stated your opinion as fact which is far from fact. Far superior than ProJect model? You sound like those ludicrous pro British announcers of formula 1. Go team Hamilton.

I assume this is directed at me?

He paid $US 455 for this 'table. Show me your $455 equivalent from Pro-Ject. Don't forget to include a MM cartridge.

Not sure what you mean by "stating an opinion as fact". If someone out there can't discern an opinion from a fact, especially in print where they can re-read something to clarify the writer's words precisely, they have bigger problems than choosing which turntable to buy.

For example when someone writes " ... Ive (sic) auditioned comparable priced turntables of both makes and at different price points and none had an advantage over the other. ..." we can easily see this is both anecdotal evidence, and your opinion, not a fact. Even though you might be accused of "presenting opinion as fact" that doesn't change our ability to discern one from the other. Easy peasy.

Those "ludicrous pro British announcers of formula 1 (sic)" are the Sky Sports broadcast team. I remember a time when they were the Pro-German broadcast team in the Schumacher era, and the Pro-French broadcast team when Alain Prost won, or pro-Spain when Ferdinand Alonso won in F1. Funny how that works.

I suppose you would prefer an ESPN broadcast team. But no-one from ESPN gets sent there. Maybe you should direct your complaint to them. And Hamilton does drive for one of the top three teams in F1, and is leading the driver's championship points two-thirds through the racing season. Not a Mercedes fan myself, but there is a reason why his name comes up, just like there is a reason why REGA's name comes up.

 

[WineOfTheVeins]

So I looked into new cartridges etc, drive belt upgrades, PSU etc. I am curious if it's worth upgrading my RP3, or if I should get a P6, I know a guy I could get a good deal from, then sell this one. Thoughts?

One strange thing to note, I am getting a slight crackle/pop through my speakers when my integrated amp is on MM mode, turntable not even spinning, no record in. Any idea what this could be?

 

[Mikado463]

So I looked into new cartridges etc, drive belt upgrades, PSU etc. I am curious if it's worth upgrading my RP3, or if I should get a P6, I know a guy I could get a good deal from, then sell this one. Thoughts?

didn't you just get the damn thing ?? listen to it for awhile, then decide if you want to 'tweak' or make a change ! Regardless, don't throw serious $$ at it ........

One strange thing to note, I am getting a slight crackle/pop through my speakers when my integrated amp is on MM mode, turntable not even spinning, no record in. Any idea what this could be?

have you done any isolation ?? unplug the TT input cables (one at a time) to start

 

[Johnny2Bad]

Definitely wait a few months at least before you think about upgrading the RP3 or the cartridge.

If you buy a Subplatter for an RP6 you can then add the platter for an RP6 as well. There are some differences in the plinth (the large black base) between an RP3 and and RP6 but the major difference is in the platter itself (heavier, thicker).

Other worthwhile upgrades are an adjustable VTA base for the tonearm. Only required if you switch cartridges, but won't harm anything if you do that first before you replace the REGA cartridge.

A tonearm rewire could follow the cartridge replacement, and possibly could wait until your phono preamp is improved (not sure what you are using there). It's a bit tricky for a DIY job but with careful instructions can be done by anyone handy. You will need soldering skills to attach the cartridge clips to the tonearm wire and depending on how you proceed from there, to a connector at the tonearm base or a cable replacement.

Regardless, in order to fully evaluate any "improvement", you should spend a few months listening after each, and only do one at a time.

Changes to a turntable setup are more obvious than changes to a digital playback chain, and aside from cartridge swaps, mechanical differences are subtle in the grand scheme of things. You will hear a greater difference by changing speakers, for example.

Many people with good ears are quite happy with the stock REGA setup for many years, so don't be under the impression that changes are "needed"; be sure the rest of your system is sorted out as well. A $100 here or there can result in much greater differences depending on where it's spent. Furthermore turntables at this price range are the result of many hours of prototyping and work as a coherent "whole". There are various parts that are not "perfect" but they work together so that one minor failing here is offset by another design choice "there".

I've made some mods to my REGA P3 so obviously I can't say that I don't advocate changes, but it can be a slippery slope where that cohesive whole of the stock 'table is upset by an inappropriate "upgrade". This more than anything is why I suggest listening for a while to get to know the sound character before and between tweaks.

 

[Johnny2Bad]

didn't you just get the damn thing ?? listen to it for awhile, then decide if you want to 'tweak' or make a change ! Regardless, don't throw serious $$ at it ........



have you done any isolation ?? unplug the TT input cables (one at a time) to start

Could be Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) that is just low enough that you don't actually hear the radio transmission but do hear "something" when a call is being made (taxicabs, for example). Phono cartridge levels are quite low so there is a fairly large amplification stage there that may result in RFI in the phono input that is still present but low enough in level with line level inputs (CD, DAC, etc) that you don't hear it or it isn't obvious from your listening position.

If you can borrow a standalone phono preamp you should be able to determine if it's an electrical fault with your Integrated Amp's phono input. Ideally you would try that first as it will either eliminate the amp or implicate it. If it does turn out to be the amp there are a number of good quality standalone phono preamps you could consider that are not terribly expensive. You want to avoid ones that are perhaps $60 or less, but once you get up to the $100-ish price range they are generally better than built-in phono sections.

If the amp passes your test then the likely culprit would be the connecting cable from the turntable to the amp. Because radio interference is very much frequency dependent, and because a length of wire of x length will act as an antenna for x frequency, simply changing the length by a few inches might be all that is needed.

Cutting three or four inches from the cable and re-soldering new RCAs might do the trick. You can of course always swap out the cable entirely, but be sure to choose wisely as phono cartridges are capacitive-sensitive and you want very low capacitance cable for that particular job. Obviously someone will sell you a phono cable but you could also look at AES/EBU cable in bulk as that particular digital transmission protocol requires very low capacitance.

There is also the possibility of AC noise creating these phantom noises. Do you notice something in the home corresponding to the noise events ... such as an air conditioner or refrigerator turning on, use of a microwave oven, furnace motors, etc? Can you turn the breaker off at your panel and see what goes off when the turntable motor also quits? That might help nail it down.

Power products are viewed as useless by some and necessary by others, but generally speaking it's individual homes and their power quirks that make these products necessary. A good start is a Tripp-Lite Isobar which has AC line filtering (it's not simply a surge supressor like the $5 power bars) and won't create any problems if you only plug the TT into it (amps tend to like being plugged directly in the wall outlet). About $40 for a 2-outlet unit (all you may need).*

But you should take time to see if you can isolate the source of the AC noise before you spend money. You might be able to just use a different AC outlet (one on a different line than what you are currently using for the TT or maybe the amp itself). Since the TT motor has very low power requirements you could run an extension cord to the TT if necessary. The amp maybe not, then a power product might be required.

* https://www.tripplite.com/isobar-2-outlet-surge-protector-6-ft-cord-1410-joules~ISOBAR26

 

[WineOfTheVeins]

didn't you just get the damn thing ?? listen to it for awhile, then decide if you want to 'tweak' or make a change ! Regardless, don't throw serious $$ at it ........



have you done any isolation ?? unplug the TT input cables (one at a time) to start

That's what I'm going to do. Thanks. I will try these methods to see where it leaves me. I know these don't have grounds, and it seems to be a Rega thing.